As the world continues getting warmer, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent. Whether it’s floods, fires or drought, global experts point to climate change. Sadly, when extreme weather strikes, some of the lowest carbon-producing countries – often also the poorest nations - seem to be the places which are hardest hit.

This week on The Agenda, Stephen Cole investigates the causes, defences and prevention measures and asks what countries are doing to save their citizens from the inevitable CO2 storm in this fossil-fuelled forecast.

First, Stephen Cole speaks to Dr Daniel Quiggin, Senior Research Fellow with the Environment and Society Programme, Chatham House. Dr Quiggin says despite current targets being branded as ‘ambitious’, achieving them still wouldn’t be enough to stop the planet warming to 2.7 degrees by 2100. He also discusses the threat of extreme weather on our global food systems.

So, what’s the plan for beating the heat? Stephen speaks to Dr Eleni Myrivili, Europe’s first Chief Heat Officer. Dr Myrivili explains the challenges she faces to ensure Athens remains inhabitable for future generations, as well as why air conditioning systems are a double-edged sword in our attempts to keeping the planet cool.

And following recent flooding in China, Wu Changhua, China/Asia Director at the Office of Jeremy Rifkin joins the conversation to explain what’s been causing the excessive rainfall, as well as providing some detail on China’s watertight plans to fight future floods.

Watch #TheAgenda in full and find out more at:
https://www.cgtn.com/europe/the-agenda 📲